Cricket: Team spirit is the driving force behind winning side

TEAM spirit is proving to be a winning formula for Uttoxeter Cricket Club, who hit top spot in Division Seven South following Saturday's 72-run victory over lowly Rolleston.

The Racecourse Ground side, who are now looking to achieve back-to-back promotions, moved nine points clear at the summit with last weekend's third win in five league fixtures.

Skipper Jon Walmsley claims team unity and the enjoyment factor are helping drive Uttoxeter forward.

"It's certainly the best dressing room I have been involved with," said the skipper, pictured. "Everyone is enjoying their cricket and playing for the club."

And to be topping the division almost halfway through the season does not come as a surprise to the captain.

Walmsley said: "I thought we had a good chance, certainly of challenging for promotion – but not necessarily being where we are, so I'm pleased with that. Now that we are up there, we have to try and stay there."

That target will be tested to the limit in tomorrow's crunch clash against second-placed Hartshorne.

"It's an important game – they have not lost yet," added Walmsley. "The match will be an indication of how well we can do. But it is a strange league. There are a lot of teams in there that can beat anyone else on their day."

Following their latest league defeat – with batting woes again Uttoxeter's downfall – the second string hit rock bottom in Division Eight South.

But the success of the first 11 could impact on the second string – and also help promote the club's junior section.

The skipper added: "If you're successful at the top it can all cascade down."

Tomorrow's clash at Hartshorne's Rodney Meadows ground is a 2pm start.

CHECKLEY Cricket Club face a few more anxious days to discover whether they face any sanctions following last month's stormy NSSCL Division Two clash with Ashcombe Park at their Four Trees ground.

The match ended in controversial fashion after umpires Barry Brereton and Peter Bucknall declared the match drawn at 8.45pm due to visibility problems caused by the setting sun.

Checkley were just five runs short of victory with six overs remaining.

The premature ending sparked angry scenes on the touchline with players and umpires allegedly subject to abuse.

Players and officials from both clubs are also said to have been involved in confrontations.

League secretary Keith Tunnicliffe confirmed yesterday that the NSSCL investigations are close to conclusion.